Design Elements {Cardboard}

05.10.13

Cardboard light fixtures? Furniture made from cardboard? Sure, it’s not a material that typically comes to mind when you think of interior design. But, that’s what makes it so cool! I’ve always been fascinated with the innovative use of unexpected materials in interior spaces. And, what could me more unexpected than cardboard furniture? My first exposure to cardboard furniture was in design school when I learned about ‘The Wiggle Chair’ designed by architect, Frank Gehry. I never would have imagined that a piece of furniture made out of cardboard could be so awesome! And, Gehry isn’t the only one expressing his creativity through cardboard. Just last week, I came across a pendant light fixture from Greypants with a layered cardboard shade. Now, this is one cool light fixture. The shape of it is great and the ‘glow’ from the backlit corrugated cardboard makes it even better.

Here’s a designer to keep your eye on. Domingos Tótora is doing some exciting things with recycled cardboard. Here’s one of his furniture designs. The base of the table is constructed from a pulp made from recycled cardboard. His website is full of great designs made from the same process.